Martin Luther King Holiday Terminals Schedules:
- PNCT will be closed on Monday 1/18/16 for Martin Luther King holiday.
- all Maher Terminals facilities including the Empty Depot located at Columbia will be closed for business on Monday, January 18,2016 (Martin Luther King birthday).
- PierPass: Customer Service Advisory: Port Truck Gate Schedule for MLK Holiday 2016 - Terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have announced their schedules for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The schedule is posted below, and a PDF of the schedule can be downloaded at http://www.pierpass.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MLK-BDay-2016_1.pdf.
USITC Begins Investigation Concerning Possible Modifications to the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences for Additions, Removals, and Competitive Need Limitation Waivers
U.S. International Trade Commission
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking input for a newly initiated investigation concerning possible modifications to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).
The investigation, Generalized System of Preferences: Possible Modifications, 2015 Review (Investigation No. 332-556), was requested by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a letter received on December 30, 2015.
As requested, the USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, will provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the addition of the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings and statistical reporting numbers:
For all GSP-eligible countries:
- 2204.21.20 (effervescent wine),
- 3301.13.00 (essential oils of lemon),
- 7202.11.50 (ferromanganese containing by weight more than 4 percent of carbon).
For all GSP-eligible countries, least-developed beneficiary developing countries (LDBDC), and/or African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) beneficiary developing countries:
- 24 HTS subheadings and statistical reporting numbers for certain handbags and travel goods products (4202.11.00, 4202.11.0030, 4202.11.0090, 4202.12.40, 4202.21.60, 4202.21.90, 4202.22.15, 4202.22.45, 4202.31.60, 4202.32.40, 4202.32.80, 4202.92.15, 4202.92.20, 4202.92.45, 4202.99.90, 4202.12.2020, 4202.12.2050, 4202.12.8030, 4202.12.8070, 4202.22.8050, 4202.32.9550, 4202.32.9560, 4202.91.0030, and 4202.91.0090).
The USTR also requested that the USITC provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of the removal of five HTS subheadings for specified countries. The removals in consideration are:
- 3204.20.10 (fluorescent brightening agent 32) from India and Indonesia,
- 3204.20.80 (other fluorescent brightening agents) from India and Indonesia,
- 3907.60.00 (PET resin also known as polyethylene terephthalate in primary forms) from India,
- 3920.62.00 (nonadhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, noncellular, of polyethylene terephthalate) from Brazil,
- 3921.90.40 (nonadhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, flexible, nesoi, of noncellular plastics) from Brazil.
In addition, the USITC will provide advice on the likely impact on U.S. imports, competing U.S. industries, and U.S. consumers of competitive need limitation waivers for specified countries. "Competitive need limitations" represent the maximum import level of a product that is eligible for duty-free treatment under the GSP. Once the limit is reached, trade is considered "competitive," benefits are no longer needed, and imports of the article become ineligible for GSP treatment, unless a waiver is granted. With respect to the competitive need limit in section 503(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the 1974 Act, the USITC, as requested, will use the dollar value limit of $170 million. The eight HTS subheadings in consideration are:
- 0804.10.60 (dates, fresh or dried, whole, without pits, packed in units weighing over 4.6 kg) from Tunisia,
- 1509.1040 (virgin olive oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, not chemically modified, weighing with the immediate container 18 kg or over) from Tunisia,
- 2102.20.60 (single-cell micro-organisms, dead, excluding yeasts, but not including vaccines of heading 3002) from Brazil,
- 2202.90.90 (nonalcoholic beverages, nesoi, not including fruit or vegetable juices of heading 2009) from Thailand,
- 2804.29.00 (rare gases, other than argon) from Ukraine,
- 4202.92.04 (insulated beverage bag with outer surface textiles, interior only flexible plastic container storing/dispensing beverage thru flexible tubing) from Philippines,
- 6911.10.37 (porcelain or china, other than bone china, household table and kitchenware in sets in which aggregate value of articles are over $56, but not over $200) from Indonesia, and
- 8708.50.95 (parts and accessories of motor vehicle of 8701, nesoi, 8702 and 8704-8705, half-shafts) from India.
The USITC will submit its confidential report to USTR by April 28, 2016. As soon as possible thereafter, the USITC will, as requested by USTR, issue a public version of the report containing only the unclassified sections, with any business confidential information and classified information deleted.
The USITC is seeking input for its new investigation from all interested parties and requests that the information focus on the articles for which the USITC is requested to provide information and advice. The USITC will hold a public hearing in connection with the investigation at 9:30 a.m. on February 24, 2016. Requests to appear at the public hearing should be filed no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 1, 2016, with the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436.
The USITC also welcomes written submissions for the record. Written submissions should be addressed to the Secretary to the Commission at the above address and should be submitted at the earliest practical date but no later than 5:15 p.m. on February 29, 2016. All written submissions, except for confidential business information, will be available for public inspection.
Further information on the scope of this investigation and appropriate submissions appears in the USITC’s notice of investigation, dated January 12, 2015. The notice can be obtained from the USITC Internet site (www.usitc.gov) or by contacting the Office of the Secretary at the above address or at 202-205-2000.
USITC general factfinding investigations, such as this one, cover matters related to tariffs or trade and are generally conducted at the request of the U.S. Trade Representative, the House Committee on Ways and Means, or the Senate Committee on Finance. The resulting reports convey the Commission's objective findings and independent analyses on the subjects investigated. The Commission makes no recommendations on policy or other matters in its general factfinding reports. Upon completion of each investigation, the USITC submits its findings and analyses to the requester. General factfinding investigation reports are subsequently released to the public, unless they are classified by the requester for national security reasons.
Generalized System of Preferences ("GSP"): Notice Regarding the 2015/2016 GSP Annual Product Review
Office of the United States Trade Representative
Generalized System of Preferences ("GSP"): Notice Regarding the 2015/2016 GSP Annual Product Review [pdf format]/Federal Register /Vol. 81, No. 6 /Monday, January 11, 2016 /Notices
Ban on Importation and Interstate Transport of 201 Salamander and Newt Species
U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Background: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has published a final rule in the Federal Register listing 201 salamander and newt species as injurious species under the Lacey Act. This listing, which becomes effective on January 28, 2016, covers the following genera (see Federal Register Notice for complete list of species):
• Chioglossa
• Ichthyosaura
• Paramesotriton
• Salamandrina
• Cynops
• Lissotriton
• Plethodon
• Siren
• Euproctus
• Neurergus
• Pleurodeles
• Taricha
• Hydromantes
• Notophthalmus
• Salamandra
• Triturus
• Hynobius
• Onychodactylus
• Salamandrella
• Tylototriton
The listing generally makes it illegal to import live or dead specimens (including parts) of these amphibians into the United States. (NOTE: Prohibited imports include shipments transiting through the United States on their way to other foreign destinations.) Interstate transport of any type (both commercial and with respect to personal pets) is also prohibited.
The listing does not prohibit the importation or interstate transport of eggs or gametes of these species. Nor does it affect the sale and possession of these species within a State.
Direct export is still allowed from either a designated port or other location with a designated port exception permit (DPEP) but any export must occur directly from the State where the species are present. Designated port exception permits will only authorize use of a port in the same State where the salamanders are located, and issuance will depend on the availability of Service inspection staff and other criteria. Salamanders may not be transported between States by any means for the purpose of eventual export. (NOTE: Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) export documents are still required if the specimen is listed on any CITES Appendices).
Action: Effective January 28, 2016, it will be illegal to import any live or dead (including parts) prohibited salamanders, or hybrids of these species into the United States or to transport these species from one State to another (including transporting them for export) without a permit from the Service.
As of this date, these species may only be exported:
- Directly from a designated port in the State where the salamander are already located; or
- Directly from a non-designated port in the State where the salamander are located under a Service-issued designated port exception permit.
Flights carrying exports must be direct international flights to a foreign country that do not stop at an airport in another State. (Stopovers are allowed within the State from which the shipment is departing.)
Shipments moving by vehicle, truck or rail to Canada or Mexico may not enter another State in transit to these countries.
Any export shipments that transit another State by air or land will be considered contraband subject to seizure and forfeiture whether or not the exporter knew that such interstate transport would occur. Those caught unlawfully bringing these injurious species into the United States or transporting them across State lines on or after this date face penalties that include up to 6 months in prison and fines as high as $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations.
Shipments that are in the process of being imported at the time of the effective date must physically arrive in the United States before January 28; shipments that enter the country on or after this date will be subject to seizure.
Philadelphia CBP Flexes Trade Enforcement Muscle and Seizes $35k Shipment of Counterfeit Smart Wristbands
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
PHILADELPHIA – Some people may have an excuse for already abandoning their New Year’s fitness resolution: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized $35,000 in counterfeit smart wristbands recently in Philadelphia.
The shipment arrived from Hong Kong on December 4, 2015. Working with the trademark holder, CBP determined that the 350 smart wristbands were counterfeit, and seized them on January 4. If authentic, the smart wristbands would have had a total estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of about $35,000.
“Customs and Border Protection will continue to work closely with our trade and consumer safety partners to identify and seize counterfeit and substandard merchandise, especially those products that pose potential harm to American consumers,” said Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia. “Intellectual property rights enforcement is a CBP priority trade issue, and a mission that we take very seriously.”
The theft of intellectual property and trade in fake goods threaten America’s economic vitality and national security, and the American people’s health and safety. Trade in illicit goods funds criminal activities and organized crime.
To protect both private industry and consumers, CBP has made Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement a CBP Priority Trade Issue.
CBP routinely conducts inspection operations on arriving and departing international flights and intercepts narcotics, weapons, currency, prohibited agriculture products, and other illicit items. View CBP Snapshot to learn some of what CBP achieves ‘On a Typical Day.’
CBP Chicago Finds Destructive Medfly in Air Cargo Shipment
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
CHICAGO—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialists conducting cargo inspections at the O’Hare International Airport recently discovered an infestation of Mediterranean fruit fly larvae (Ceratitis capitata) in three shipments of bell peppers from Spain.
These shipments were quarantined in a secure environment and the insect specimens were preserved and forwarded to the local USDA pest identification lab office where they were positively identified as Mediterranean fruit fly. Because of the significant threat posed by these pests, the USDA issued Federal Order DA-2016-01 suspending importation of peppers (Capsicum annum) from Spain.
“CBP Agriculture Specialists continually demonstrate their vigilance in intercepting these extremely destructive pests that could cause substantial damage to our agricultural and economic interests,” said Area Port Director Matthew Davies.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), commonly called medfly, is one of the world’s most destructive agricultural pests. The female medfly attacks ripening fruit, piercing the soft skin and laying eggs in the puncture. The eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that feed inside the fruit pulp and make the fruit inedible. The medfly’s host range includes more than 300 plant species.
If the medfly were to become established here, the estimated annual market value of U.S. commodities that would be at risk is more than $7.2 billion. That dollar figure is the sum of potential damage to our Nation’s economy from export sanctions, lost markets, treatment costs, eradication and control efforts, reduced crop yields, plant deformities, and premature fruit drop for items that are potential hosts for the fruit fly.
Commission Briefed on PierPASS and NY/NJ Port Initiatives
Federal Martime Commission
FMC staff briefed the Commission today on its continuing review of the competitive impact of PierPASS operations under the West Coast Marine Terminal Operators’ Agreement, FMC No. 201143 (WCMTOA). Commission staff recently visited the LA/Long Beach Ports to hear directly from PierPASS officials, several WCMTOA members, beneficial cargo owners, licensed motor carriers, ILWU representatives and port officials. Chairman Mario Cordero stated: "The FMC’s monitoring of PierPASS is part of its statutory mandate to monitor agreements for fairness in competition. It is also the direct result of complaints from stakeholders about PierPASS operations, costs, and quality of services."
Port of New York and New Jersey officials visited the Commission to discuss infrastructure and supply chain initiatives at the Port. Ms. Molly Campbell, Director of Port Commerce, and Ms. Bethann Rooney, Assistant Director for Port Performance Initiatives, presented their new Terminal Information Portal System (TIPS), an online portal designed to provide transparency at the terminals, and announced a pilot appointment system at the Bayonne terminal expected in 2016. TIPS is supported and maintained by a consortium of terminal operators and the Port, operating under a discussion agreement on file with the Commission, the Port of NY/NJ Sustainable Services Agreement, FMC No. 201175. The Commissioners applauded the port community’s collaborative efforts and focus on transparency. The Chairman remarked: "Other ports can learn much from the programs implemented at the port of New York and New Jersey."
Also at today’s meeting, staff from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) presented on the Commission’s rules concerning arbitration. Arbitration is offered as one of several alternative dispute resolution processes available through CADRS.
In addition, Commissioner Doyle briefed his fellow Commissioners on his recent participation at the annual U.S – China Bilateral Discussion in Suzhou, China. Commissioner Lidinsky provided a briefing on his participation at the 2015 World Shipping Summit in Guangzhou, China.
Port Moves Over 7 Million TEUs in 2015
Port of Long Beach
Six straight months of gains cap strong year of growth at Long Beach
Propelled by six consecutive months of rising cargo volumes in the final two quarters of 2015, the Port of Long Beach recovered from systemic congestion and cargo diversion in the first quarter to deliver one of its strongest results on record. For only the third time in its 105-year history, Long Beach topped 7 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units, a standard container unit) during the year.
Cargo volume climbed 5.4 percent in 2015 compared to 2014, as the Southern California seaport and its industry partners transformed the challenges of congestion at the start of last year into a scene of free-flowing cargo and record setting months.
“We’re gratified to see the business growth — we worked diligently over these past 12 months to recover from a very challenging start to the year, resulting in record volume and productivity gains and the strong and steady return of diverted cargo," said Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup. "We credit terminal operators, labor, shipping lines, cargo owners and our local community with pulling together to turn things around.”
In December, the Port achieved 5.1 percent overall growth, compared to December 2014. Imports increased 7 percent to 296,002 TEUs, while exports fell 4.1 percent to 126,118 TEUs. In December, empties rose 9.5 percent to 174,328 TEUs.
For 2015, a total of 7,192,066 TEUs moved through the harbor. Imports rose 3.1 percent to 3,625,263 TEUs, while exports dropped 4.9 percent to 1,525,560. Empty containers rose 20.2 percent to 2,041,243 TEUs. The strong dollar continues to favor imports and discourage exports, resulting in more empties being sent back overseas to be refilled with goods.
During July and August, Long Beach achieved record cargo volumes resulting in the Port’s biggest quarter in its history — more than 2 million TEUs moved through the Port in the third quarter.
With an ongoing $4 billion program to modernize its facilities this decade, the Port of Long Beach is building the Port of the Future by investing in capital and service improvements that will bring long-term, environmentally sustainable growth.
CEO Jon Slangerup will present more information about the Port’s 2015 accomplishments and plans for 2016 during the annual State of the Port address on Thursday, Jan. 21. Please go to
www.polb.com/StateOfThePort for more details.